Conserving the 'Mighty Little' Beings

 

For one usually attending evening meetings 

on corporate HR topics this was new, so farther away

 yet interesting, gripping, informative, enlightening! 

The speaker, Dr Chandish Ballal, passionate entomologist

former Director, NBAIR* enlightened us, among many things

that all insects are not pests, that the majority

the beneficial insects are most essential 

for ecological balance and well being of humans as well! 

As against the only 0.5% pests, the beneficial insects 

provide many services without charging a penny 

these include being providers- food for fish, wild life 

good protein source, honey from honey bees

big source of revenue in Mexico, silk worms give silk 

contribute to dyes, cosmetics, medical & industrial products

its larvae serves as balm for wounds.. 

Its regulatory role include keeping in check

harmful pests, weeds, naturally sans harmful chemicals

assisting in decomposing dung of livestock

 so essential for controlling population of flies 

The supporting role of  the "Mighty little beings' also crucial 

2/3rd of land eco system depends on them for its pollination 

the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths and the like 

the beneficial beings release essential nutrients** back into the soil 

the frass (feces) of some, excellent soil fertility enhancers 

they create nutrient rich patches benefiting plant growth 

Then the speaker also spoke about cultural significance 

of insects in art and symbolism, in language, literature

Haven't we heard  expressions like "Busy as a bee"

the ant-grasshopper story in Aesop's fables

insect inspired music compositions***, movies?

This dear readers, is only a layman's account 

of what he could catch about these "Unsung heroes"

who continue to be ' undervalued until lost' 

for a detailed account, you will have to hear it

from the horse's mouth when she chooses to speak next 

be it in Bangalore or on an online platform!

* National bureau of agricultural insect resources : Dr Ballal also outlined during talk the (1) conservation/protecting, (2) classical ( managing invasive pest) and (3) augmentation (releasing additional natural enemies of pests) services of NBAIR

** like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

*** Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee"


NB: I am thankful to Dr Ballal and the Bangalore Room for the invitation that culminated into a rewarding evening.